Chapter 2 "Beginnings" Summary and Analysis

Ralston describes growing up in Indianapolis. When he is twelve years old, his family announces plans to move to Colorado. After researching Colorado, Ralston views it as a rugged place with impossible mountain peaks where people have to ski through town after snowstorms. Finally, he admits to his family that he is petrified of living in Colorado. His parents reassure him that Colorado is a nice place to live and tell him he shouldn't be frightened.

The following summer, Ralston gets his first taste of the great outdoors during a backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park. He falls in love with the mountains. During the trip, Ralston's mother assigns him the moniker "Animal" after the Muppet drummer because of his frantic energy. On the first evening of the trip, Ralston encounters a doe drinking from the...